Fire Breather

23.

"TAP out!" Rhiannon screamed as a rider from Second Wing fought to drag himself forward on the mat as Liam held him in a leg lock, forcing his back into what should have been an impossible arch.

Today was the last challenge of this portion of the Squad Battle, and the crowd pushed at our backs. After two events, we were in seventh out of twenty-four on the leader board after my win on the mat an hour ago—which explained my busted bottom lip—but if Liam won, we would jump to third.

My flight time in the gauntlet sky race was the fastest in the squad, earning me first place and for Nim to roar in celebration while Garrick and Liam cheered with me.

Mikael cried out in pain while Liam held fast and pressed his advantage.

"Fuck me, that looks like it hurts," Violet muttered over the cheering first-years.

"Yeah, he's not walking for a while," Ridoc agreed, cringing at the arch of Mikael's back.

"Snap it, Mairi!" I shouted, slapping my hands on my knees while Violet and Ridoc sent me a surprised look.

With another cry, Mikael slammed his palm into the mat three times and the crowd roared.

"Fuck yeah!" I cheered, grabbing Violet and Ridoc while jumping. "That's my adopted brother!"

"Yes! Go, Liam!" Sawyer screamed from behind us, and Liam dropped Mikael to the mat.

"We won!" Liam rushed for us, his arms sweeping us into a tangle of arms and shouting. Even Imogen was celebrating.

"Your winner!" Professor Emetterio shouted, his voice ringing through the gym as Liam stepped out of our crushing hug. "Liam Mairi from Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing!"

I grabbed Liam's hand, holding it up in the air. "Who won, Fourth Wing?"

"Liam Mairi!" voices yelled with claps while I laughed, dropping Liam's hand and he turned in a small circle, throwing his hands up in victory.

Commandant Panchek stepped onto the mat, and I quickly joined the rest of our squad with Liam. "I know you were all expecting the last portion of the Squad Battle to happen tomorrow, but the cadre and I have a surprise." Every single rider went silent. "Instead of telling you what the final, unknown task will be and giving you tonight to plan for it, your final task will begin this hour!" He grinned, throwing out his hands and turning just like Liam did.

"Tonight?" Ridoc whispered.

I furrowed my brows, trying to spot my brother or Garrick in the crowd. "I have no idea where Xade is."

"Dain isn't here," Violet added. "Neither is Cianna."

"Oh shit," Imogen whispered, looking over the crowd herself.

"As you may have noticed, your squad leaders and their executive officers have been...shall we say, sequestered with your section leaders and wingleaders, and no, before someone asks, your task is not to find them. You are to break into your squads and accomplish a unique mission this evening without the leadership and instruction of your squad leaders."

"Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having squad leaders?" I deadpanned, crossing my arms over my chest.

"The purpose of a squad leader is to form a tightly knit unit that can carry on with a mission after their demise. Consider your leaders...demised." Panchek shrugged. "You're on your own, riders. Your mission is simple: find and acquire, by any means necessary, the one thing that would be most advantageous to our enemies regarding the war effort. Leadership will serve as unbiased judges, and the winning squad will be awarded sixty points."